GAGA B2B - CONNECTING IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS

[ad_1] Muscat: India and Oman are at the cusp of witnessing a "watershed moment in our millenia-old relationship", said Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal while speaking to a gathering at the Oman-India Business Summit in Muscat, Oman. He said that the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) is the "culmination of our shared vision and dedicated efforts to build a mutually prosperous future for our people." He noted that the signing of the agreement marks the end of a long journey of working together for the benefit of everyone involved. The agreement is expected to improve market access, promote investments and enhance cooperation across key sectors.The India-Oman CEPA holds special significance as it is Oman's second free trade agreement with an individual country and the first such agreement Oman is entering into in nearly 20 years. The pact reflects the growing importance of India as a strategic trade and investment partner for Oman.Also Re...

[ad_1] One of India’s richest states that’s heavily reliant on exports said high US tariffs are causing “irreparable damage” to businesses in the region and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to urgently seek a trade deal with Washington.M. K. Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, said export orders have dried up in some districts, resulting in a daily loss of 600 million rupees ($6.7 million) in revenue. In Tiruppur district — also known as the knitwear capital of the nation — there’s been “a staggering wipe out” of 150 billion rupees in confirmed orders, forcing production cuts of up to 30%, Stalin said in a letter to Modi on Thursday.US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs of 50% on Indian goods in August, one of the highest rates in the world, slashing exports to India’s biggest market and threatening Modi’s manufacturing ambitions. Despite months of negotiations and New Delhi officials expressing optimism of a deal soon, both sides remain locked in talks without a...

[ad_1] Donald Trump’s tariff policy has forced governments, the world over, to reassess how exposed their economies are to sudden trade shocks. In New Delhi, the response has taken a concrete shape: accelerate free trade agreements and lock in market access beyond the United States.India has stepped up efforts to finalise multiple FTAs over the next few months to cushion the impact of steep US import tariffs and widen export destinations at a time of growing global trade uncertainty, the Associated Press reported, citing people in the know of the development.Talks with the European Union, New Zealand and Chile are at an advanced stage, and India is set to sign a trade agreement with Oman today.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Muscat for the signing of the India–Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the first deal under India’s renewed FTA push, officials told the Associated Press. The agreement aims to boost bilateral trade and expand India’s exports of eng...

[ad_1] India and Oman signed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Thursday in Muscat, aiming to expand bilateral trade, investment and services cooperation.The agreement comes amid steadily expanding economic ties between the two countries. Bilateral trade stood at $8.947 billion in FY24 and rose to $10.613 billion in FY25, while investment links remain strong with more than 6,000 India–Oman joint ventures operating in Oman. Cumulative outward direct investment from India to Oman stands at $675 million, while FDI equity inflows from Oman into India between April 2000 and March 2025 total $610.08 million.Notably, this is the second Free Trade Agreement that India has signed in the last 6 months after United Kingdom.Live EventsPM Modi concludes Oman visit, returns to New Delhi after key agreementsPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for home after concluding a “substantive” visit to Oman, during which the two nations inked a milestone free trade agre...

[ad_1] The RBI's firm intervention shored up the rupee yesterday when it rebounded to close 65 paisa stronger at 90.38 a dollar reversing a five-day streak of free fall, as the central bank likely intervened in the foreign exchange market. After breaching the psychologically important mark of 90 per US dollar, in less than two weeks the rupee crossed the 91-level on Tuesday. The rupee took only 13 days to go from 90 to 91 per dollar.Also Read: Call 91.1 for rupee answered! How RBI rescued INR after 5-day slideMany think the rupee may keep sliding down in the near term due to the uncertainty on the India-US trade deal and unabated capital outflows. While a weak rupee can negatively impact inflation and corporate margins among other things, it is considered good for exports as it increases India's export competitiveness, especially when India is trying to boost its exports due to tariff tensions, exploring alternative markets. Rupee depreciation influences the trade balanc...

[ad_1] Muscat: India has protected the interest of domestic farmers and MSMEs by not extending any duty concessions on products across several sectors, including agricultural items such as dairy, as well as chocolates, gold, silver, jewellery, footwear, and sports goods, under the trade pact with Oman.The pact was signed on Thursday in Muscat.The commerce ministry said to safeguard its interest, sensitive products have been kept in the exclusion category by India without offering any concessions.Also read: India-Oman trade agreement: Two countries sign CEPA to deepen economic engagementIt includes "agricultural products, including dairy, tea, coffee, rubber, and tobacco products; gold and silver bullion, jewellery; other labour-intensive products such as footwear, sports goods; and scrap of many base metals", the ministry said.Live EventsFurther for the products of export interest to Oman and which are sensitive to India, the offer is mostly a tariff-rate quota (TRQ)-b...

[ad_1] India’s free trade agreement with Oman has, for the first time, included the country’s traditional medicine systems, a move expected to significantly expand market access for Ayush products in the Gulf nation.The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed on Thursday, includes a dedicated annexe recognising trade in health-related and traditional medicine services. An official statement described this as a landmark provision, noting that Oman’s commitment to traditional medicine spans all modes of supply — the first such comprehensive commitment made by any country — and opens up new opportunities for India’s Ayush and wellness sectors in the region.The agreement provides for cooperation in areas such as licensing and qualification procedures, digital conduct of licensing examinations, facilitation of medical value travel, capacity building, harmonisation of standards, and joint research.Also Read: PM Modi pitches CEPA as turning point for India-Oman trad...

[ad_1] The following are the highlights of the India-Oman free trade agreement signed on Thursday.It is officially called CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement).Also Read: India-Oman sign FTA to deepen economic engagement GOODS: *Oman has offered zero-duty access on 98.08 per cent of its tariff lines, covering 99.38 per cent of India's exports to Oman.Live Events *First-ever commitment by any country on traditional medicine across all modes, opening significant opportunities for India's Ayush and wellness sectors.*All major labour-intensive sectors, including gems & jewellery, textiles, leather, footwear, sports goods, plastics, furniture, agricultural products, engineering products, pharma, medical devices, and auto, receive full tariff elimination.*Immediate tariff elimination is being offered on 97.96 per cent tariff lines.*India is offering tariff liberalisation on 77.79 per cent of its total tariff lines (12,556), which covers 94.81 per cent of Indi...

[ad_1] NEW DELHI: India aims to shield sugarcane farmers from income losses by managing surplus supplies through exports and diverting more sugar for ethanol production, a senior government official said on Thursday. Higher exports from the world's second-largest sugar producer could pressure benchmark New York and London futures,, which are hovering near five-year lows. "The surplus is going to hurt the farmers, which we cannot afford to do. So, in their interest, and also in the interest of all the stakeholders, you need to ensure that the surplus stocks are contained," India's food secretary Sanjeev Chopra told reporters. The government will try to contain the sugar surplus through all possible measures, he said.India's sugar production in the 2025/26 marketing year, which began on October 1, is projected to rise 18% to 30.9 million metric tons, even after diverting 3.4 million tons for ethanol production, Chopra said.Live Events Domestic demand in the w...

[ad_1] India and Oman have taken a significant step on Thursday towards deepening their economic relationship with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a move that is expected to substantially expand trade, investment and broader commercial engagement between the two countries. The agreement was signed in Muscat during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, underscoring the growing strategic and economic importance New Delhi attaches to the Gulf and wider Middle East region. Show more Show less [ad_2] Source link Follow Us: https://facebook.com/gagab2b https://youtube.com/gagab2b https://gagab2b.com https://gagab2b.com/import-export-news/import-export-india-news/india-oman-cepa-sealed-india-gets-duty-free-access-to-99-38-of-its-exports-the-economic-times-video/?feed_id=3818&_unique_id=694a0e24304f1

[ad_1] New Delhi, A host of India's agricultural and processed food items, like natural honey, cashew, potatoes, boneless meat and bakery products, will get duty-free access to Oman under the newly signed trade pact, which is expected to boost exports of these goods.Oman has offered to remove duties on various animal products, such as cheese, curd, milk and cream, frozen fish, butter, meat, yoghurt, processed food like bread, pastry, cakes, chocolate, sugar confectionery, and mineral water; and animal and vegetable fats and oils.At present, these items attract duty in the range of 5-100 per cent in Oman.On the other hand, Indian consumers will get cheaper dates from Oman, as India will provide zero-duty access to 2,000 tonnes of the commodity every year.India will also give concessions to Oman's two traditional products, Gum Arabica (used in food, medicines and cosmetics) and Frankincense (used in the incense and perfume sector).Live EventsPM Modi concludes Oman visit, r...

[ad_1] India and Oman on Thursday signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Sultanate from December 17-18, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a joint statement.Alongside the CEPA, the two countries also adopted a Joint Vision Document on Maritime Cooperation, signalling a shared intent to further deepen engagement across economic, strategic and maritime domains.According to the joint statement, the CEPA is aimed at lowering trade barriers and creating a predictable framework to expand trade and investment flows, while supporting job creation and encouraging greater private sector participation in both economies.Live EventsPM Modi concludes Oman visit, returns to New Delhi after key agreementsPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday left for home after concluding a “substantive” visit to Oman, during which the two nations inked a milestone free trade agreement. Modi was seen off by Sayyid Shi...

[ad_1] In a year defined by shifting global alliances and the rise of protectionist trade barriers, India has successfully anchored its economic growth through a strategic network of free trade agreements and sweeping domestic reforms. Official data released this Thursday confirms that these efforts are yielding tangible results. In November 2025, India’s total exports surged by 15.52% year-on-year to reach $73.99 billion, while total imports remained largely stable at $80.63 billion. This resulted in a remarkable 61% narrowing of the trade deficit to just $6.64 billion, signaling a more balanced and resilient trade position in a volatile international market.Strengthening global footprintsA cornerstone of this stability is the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman, signed on December 18, 2025. Live EventsThis landmark deal provides India with duty-free access for over 98% of its tariff lines, essentially covering nearly all Indian exports by value. Beyon...

[ad_1] NEW DELHI: India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Thursday, which will provide duty free access to 98% of India’s exports including textiles, farm and leather goods in Oman, and give an additional $2 billion boost to exports in the next 2-3 years.The pact would help Indian exporters, reeling under the impact of 50% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Indian goods, to diversify shipments in West Asia region, a gateway to Africa and Europe.Oman has offered to ease norms for Indian companies operating in the Gulf country under the CEPA allowing them to employ up to 50% of their total staff from their India office. “The agreement provides a comprehensive and forward-looking framework for services trade, covering IT, business and professional services, R&D, education, health, and audio-visual services. A major highlight is an 8 times extension of permitted duration of stay for Contractual Service Suppliers from 90 days to...

[ad_1] India is in talks with 50 countries for trade agreements through 14 groups, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said Friday. Speaking at the 98th Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), he said India has already concluded agreements with Australia, the UAE, Mauritius, the UK and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) group. The minister also announced that Canada and India are looking at a comprehensive economic partnership agreement, with “conversations around that expected to kickstart next week.”“We've all seen the importance of having trusted partners around the world to work with... countries who believe in fair trade and equal opportunity on both sides,” Goyal said, adding that India is working through several free trade agreements with developed nations.His recently concluded three-day Israel visit aimed at boosting bilateral ties. A fourth round of negotiations for the India–New Zealand ...

[ad_1] India and Canada will resume discussions on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) next week, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday, marking a significant thaw in bilateral ties following two years of diplomatic strain.Speaking at FICCI’s 98th Annual General Meeting, Goyal confirmed the renewed engagement, stating: “Canada and India are looking at CEPA. Next week, they are going to kickstart conversations around that.”The development comes after Canada had paused negotiations in 2023 amid tensions triggered by allegations made by then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Diplomatic momentum picked up only this year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 summit in June.India widens global trade negotiationsGoyal outlined New Delhi’s expanding trade agenda, noting that the government has already concluded agreements with Australia, the UAE, Mauritius, the UK and the four-nation EFT...

[ad_1] India and the United States are holding virtual trade talks at a regular basis, Rajesh Agarwal, Commerce Secretary, said on Friday, adding that the country expects to lock the deal with the US before year's end as most issues are already resolved.There have been a lot of changes in the global trade landscape since talks began for the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), Agrawal said. "Any remaining issue over the India-US trade deal could be addressed at the political level," he added.India is hopeful of finding a solution within the current calendar year since there is not much left to negotiate, he said while speaking at the FICCI’s 98th AGM and annual convention in Delhi.Also read: India-US sign Rs 7,995 cr agreement for Navy's MH-60R helicopter fleet support: Defence MinistryDual negotiations with USAgarwal said that India is negotiating two parellel deals with the US - one for a trade deal, and other one for addressing reciprocal tariffs imposed by US P...

[ad_1] Ambassador Antonio Bartoli: The Joint Strategic Action Plan is a testimony to our two Prime Ministers’ ambition to translate the strategic partnership between Italy and India into mutually beneficial initiatives and concrete results. So, our leaders identified ten priority areas for closer bilateral cooperation: political dialogue, which is a precondition, and then trade and investment, science, technology, innovation, startups, space, defence, talent, mobility, migration, connectivity, energy transition, security, and, I would say, people-to-people [ties]. So, culture, inter-university cooperation and sport. Spotlight WireYou spoke of ten areas where the two countries are cooperating…Ambassador Antonio Bartoli: Our aim is to enhance and rebalance both trade and investments. Bilateral trade exchange between our countries is in total more than €14 billion, €9 billion of India’s export to Italy and €5 billion of Italy’s export to India. In investments, Italy is making a lot...

[ad_1] New Delhi: India is in talks with 50 countries for trade agreements through 14 groups, union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said on Friday."We've all seen the importance of having trusted partners around the world to work with... countries who believe in fair trade and equal opportunity on both sides," he said, addressing the 98th annual general meeting of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry.Also Read: India, US hold virtual trade talks, deal to be locked before year endThe minister announced that India and Canada are looking at a comprehensive economic partnership agreement and that "conversations around that are expected to kick-start next week".Besides, Goyal said while India is talking to Oman, Bahrain and Qatar also want to enter into negotiations. "The Gulf Cooperation Council also is now talking that the whole six-nation group would like to engage," he said. Goyal's recent three-day trip to...

[ad_1] India's exports to its largest export market, the United States, have suffered a sharp reversal under the impact of aggressive tariff hikes. Between May and October 2025, shipments fell 28.5 per cent, plunging from USD 8.83 billion to USD 6.31 billion, according to trade-focused think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).The decline in exports followed a rapid escalation in US duties that began at 10 per cent on April 2, rose to 25 per cent on August 7, and reached 50 per cent by late August.The spike in tariffs made Indian goods among the most heavily taxed of any US trading partner, according to a GTRI report Saturday.For comparison, China faced tariffs of about 30 per cent, while Japan at 15 per cent.India's exports to the US during the period has been divided into three tariff regimes in the GTRI report -- Tariff-exempt items such as smartphones, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products accounted for 40.3 per cent of October exports but still fell 25.8 p...

[ad_1] New Delhi: India's export-driven businesses in sectors such as aluminium, iron and steel that face international regulatory shocks are increasingly exposed to risk due to climate inaction threatening their profits, operations, and long-term viability, according to global consulting firm BCG. India is among the top 10 countries most affected by extreme weather events, as the 'Climate Risk Index 2026' launched at COP30 reveals, and the cost of inaction for India is too big to ignore, BCG Managing Director and Senior Partner, Asia Pacific Leader, Climate & Sustainability, Sumit Gupta, told PTI in an emailed interview. Citing data from RBI and WEF 2024, he said 4.5 per cent of India's GDP by 2030 is at massive risk of erosion due to climate-induced extreme events, and by the end of the century, climate-related challenges could cost India between 6.4 per cent and over 10 per cent of its national income. "Businesses face the direct brunt of these risks,...

[ad_1] Global trade policy shocks coupled with domestic cost pressures are likely to expose the Indian economy's vulnerability to slowing world demand, according to trade-focused think-tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), which cited data from the latest World Trade Organization's Goods Trade Barometer.The WTO report, released earlier this week, according to GTRI, pointed to a marked cooling in global merchandise trade after the tariff-driven surge earlier in the year.According to the WTO, GTRI noted, global trade held up in early 2025 on the back of strong demand for AI-related goods, but momentum is now easing as front-loading fades and protectionist pressures re-emerge.While most components, be it electronics, air freight, container shipping and autos, continue to signal expansion, the rate of growth is slowing, and agricultural raw materials have already fallen below trend, GTRI noted."The warning is blunt: growth remains intact for now, but rising tari...

[ad_1] New Delhi [India], November 30 (ANI): The central government's recent integration of 29 laws into four streamlined Labour Codes, enabling an environment that promotes industrial efficiency while safeguarding workers' interests, is expected to catalyse growth in India's export sector.The Export-Oriented Industries (EOIs)- including textiles, garments, leather, electronics, gems & jewellery, pharmaceuticals, auto components and IT-enabled services- are critical contributors to India's employment and foreign exchange earnings. Their competitiveness depends heavily on the ability to maintain a flexible, compliant, and skilled workforce while adhering to international labour standards.The labour reform brings about a series of benefits for India's export sector, especially simplifying compliance for employers and enabling improved workforce management, according to a statement from PIB Headquarters on Sunday.One of the most impactful reforms is the intr...